Planter



May 22, 1945.

c.' H. WHITE PLANTER 7 Sheets-Sheet 1 Filed March :51, 1941 m m mCHARLES H WHITE y/QC ATTORNEYS.

c. H. WHITE 2,376,464

.' May 22, 1945.

PLANTER '7 sheets-sheet :5

Filed March 31, 1941 k mu M WE m 1 m7 H 0 y 1945- c. H. WHITE 2,376,464

FLANTER Filed March 31, 1941 v Sheets-Sheet 4 ATTORNEYS.

CHARLES H. W ITE May 22,- 1945. WHWE 2,376,464

PLANTER Filed March 51, 194i 7 Sheets-Sheet s FIG. I2

I INVENTOR: ,-'J\l\l\l\l\l\\\l CHARLES H. HITE 462 456 W FIG. 6 458ATTORNEYS.

May 22, 1945. m 2,376,464

PLANTER Filed March 51, 1941 v Shets-Sheetfi I) & f 3'6 312 l9 292 j I mJQJQPOI l9 I I J 29? 131k, '9 /l4b 296 INVENTOR:

. I CHARLES H. WHITE I BY I y ATTORNEYS.

C. H. WHITE May 22, 1945.

PLANTER Filed March 31, 1941 7 Sheets-Sheet 7 lNVENTOR.- CHALES H. WHITETNEYS:

name My; 22, 1945 2.110.464 mama Charles H. White, Molin a Company,

nois

e, 111., lllllllol' to Deere Moline, 111., a corporation of Illi-Applioation March 31, 1941, Serial No. 385,977

29 Claims.

The present invention relates generally to agricultural implements andmore particularly to planters.

The object and general nature of the present invention is the provisionof a planter which is particularly adapted for tractor operation and iscapable of accurate check planting at speeds substantially greater thanhas heretofore been normally possible. By virtue of being able to plantat appreciably greater speeds than heretofore considered possible, thefarmer is enabled to do his planting at just the right time when soiland weather conditions are the most favorable. This is especiallyimportant for those farming large acreages.

According to the principles of the present invention, I provide a numberof correlated features that not only ail'ord high accuracy at thegreater speeds which tractor operation has made possible. but alsosimplify and speed up or facilitate other operations and adjustmentsthat are entailed in putting in a crop. For example, it is an importantfeature of this invention to provide improved power lift mechanism bywhich the planting means may be raised and lowered by energy derivedfrom the ground wheels of the planter, and more particularly it is afeature of this invention to incorporate a mechanical movement known asthe Whitworth quick return motion that enables the lifting mechanism tooperate through an appreciably greater range when lifting the tools thanwhen lowering them. This motion thus has the advantage of small inertiashock loads, smoother action and less power requirement, all especiallyimportant in securing easy convenient control by the operator. Further,it is a feature of this invention to provide new and improved meanswhereby the markers are automatically controlled by the liftingmechanism, such automatic control including means whereby when theplanting means is raised into inoperative posi tion both markers areraised and when the planting means is lowered one or the other of themarkers are also lowered into operative position alternately. Thus, whenturning the outfit at the end of the row the operator need pay noconcern whatsoever to tripping the correct marker arm, as was necessaryheretofore, since according to the present invention the markers arecontrolled fully automatically. Specifically, according to the presentinvention, the markers are raised by suitable connections with theraising means for the adjacent planting means, together with marker armcontrolling latches which are alternately released when the plantingmeans is lowered into operative position.

Another feature of the present invention is the provision 'of selfinterrupting clutch means acting through the Whitworth quick returnmotion forraising the planting means, but which is not enabled whenstarting up to give eliectlve to lower the planting means until theimplement actually moves forwardly. More particulariy, it is a featureof this invention to pro: vide means permitting the operator to actuatethe clutch trip lever at any time but which, by virtue of a, dead-centerrelationship established in the Whitworth quick return motion, does notpermit the planting units to lower until the implement moves forwardly.Still further, it is a feature of this invention to provide meansserving as a latch for automatically holding the trip lever in aposition permitting the self-interrupting clutch to engage. whichholding means is not released until the parts are driven at leastthrough a partial revolution when the implement begins to moveforwardly. This makes it possible for the operator at the end of the rowto turn around and then while the implement is standing still, releasethe power lift clutch before starting up, but according to the presentinvention the planter shoes will not fall to the ground; instead, theyare held up in raised position until the implement ,actually begins tomove forwardly, whereupon. they are permitted to lower. Thus, theoperator is his entire attention to starting the outfit and steering thesame without having to wait until the outfit is in motion to pull thetrip lever.

Another feature of this invention is the provision of improveddifferential means whereby power is derived from both ground wheels fordriving the power lift mechanism. I

The lifting mechanism derives its operating energy from the planterground wheels, and according to the present invention improvedsupporting means for the ground wheels is provided whereby the latterare adjustable to accommodate the particular tractor to which theimplement is hitched. For example, this adjustment permits running theground wheels of the planter either in the center or completely out ofthe tractor wheel tracks, which is desirable in order to secure the bestcheck. If the planter wheels run near the edge of the tractor wheeltracks, they have a tendency to climb out of the tracks and to cause theplanter to get out of line.

In this connection it is a further feature of the present invention toprovide laterally ad- Justable planting units so that the row spacingmay be adjusted quickly and easily, and more specifically it is afeature of this invention to provide improved means whereby theoperating connections for the valves, the planting means, accommodatethe lateral. adiustment oi the planting units. In this connection it isa further feature of this invention to provide an improved bearingaccommodating a shaft that is uniformly poLvgonal in cross section, thelatter feature materially facilitating which are carried by theadjustment of the units to accommodate the desired row spacing.

Further, it is another feature of this invention to provide cushionedconnections between the marker arms and the lifting means that raisesthe planting means. This enables the markers to be raised quickly, yetwithout imposing excessive inertia shock loads onto the liftingmechanism. Also, the type of movement, namely, the Whitworth quickreturn motion, utilized in lifting the planting means and the markerarms, contributes to the easy but relatively rapid raising of themarkers. Additionally, means is provided for locking both the markersand the planting units in raised position without imposing the weight ofthese parts on the lifting mechanism. Ordinarily, the latter ispermissible when simply turning at the end of the row, but whentransporting the machine from field to field or along roads andhighways, it is desirable to relieve the lifting mechanism of theseloads, and this is accomplished simply and inexpensively by the .presentinvention. l

Another feature of the present invention is the provision of new andimproved means for controlling the drill shaft from the raising andlowering means when drilling or planting in hills, rather thancheck-rowing. principles of the present invention, means is providedwhereby the implement may be adjusted conveniently and quickly to plantin hills or by drilling, in either case the hilling or drilling beautomatically started and stopped according to the operation of thelifting mechanism. When check-rowing, a check wire is used, but whendrilling or planting in hills the check wire is not used. Hence,according to the present invention, I provide new and improved means forsupporting the check wire reel on the planter so that adjustments forlaying out the check wire or reeling it in may be made easily andquickly, or the check wire reel may be easily and quickly removed fromthe planter, if desired.

Still further, an additional feature of this invention is the provisionof improved means for controlling the drive to-the fertilizerdistributing mechanism, such control preferably including connectionsleading from the Whitworth quick return motion to a clutch or theequivalent incorporated in the drive from the ground wheels to thefertilizer distributing means. In addition, such controllableconnections including means operable manually for effecting adisconnection so that the power lift mechanism may be actuated butwithout engaging or disengaging the fertilizer distributing mechanismdrive.

These and other objects and advantages of the present invention will beapparent to those skilled in the art after a consideration of thefollowing detailed description, taken in conjunction. with theaccompanying drawings illustrating the preferred structural embodimentof this invention.

In the drawings:

Figure 1 is a planview of a four-row planter in which the principles ofthe present invention have been incorporated;

Figure 2 is an enlarged central section, taken According to the asrasscFigure 3 is an enlarged section, taken along the line l! of Figure 1,showing the bearing support for the rocker shaft;

Figure 4 is a view taken generally along the line 4-4 of Figure 2,showing certain details of the differential disposed between the twocountershaft sections which form a part of the means for driving' thelifting means from the ground wheels;

Figure 5 is a view similar to Figure 2, showing certain parts of thelifting means in its raised position;

Figure 6 is a view similar to Figure 5, showing means'whereby the powerlift clutch trip lever is automatically held against returning to itsengaged position until after the implement moves forwardly and begins tolower the tools;

Figure 7 is an enlarged rear elevation, certain parts being shown insection, looking forwardly generally along the line of Figure 1, showingthe connection between the power lift means and the marker arms andplanting means;

Figures 8 and 9 are enlarged detail views, taken generally along theline 8-8 of Figure 2, showing the means by which the lowering of theplanting means by the power lift into operating position alternatelydrops one or the other of the markers;

Figure 10 is a section taken along the line Ill-Ill of Figure 8;

Figure 11 is an enlarged elevation of one of the lifting chain sheavebrackets, showing the means whereby the chain may be engaged directlywith the bracket to hold the associated planting unit or marker arm, orboth, in raised position, independent of the position of the power liftmechanism:

Figure 12 is a view similar to Figure 2, showing the' seeding mechanismarranged for drilling, with connections whereby the operation of thelifting mechanism automatically controls the drill shaft clutch and thevalve rocker shaft:

Figure 13 is a fragmentary view, similar to Figure 12, showing the partsarranged for planting in hills;

Figure 14 is a view of the hill drop striker, taken generally along theline 14- of Figure 13;

Figure 15 is an enlarged section taken generally along the line l5l5 ofFigure 1. showing the manner in which the crank of the Whitworth quickreturn motion controls the fertilizer distributing mechanism;

Figure 16 is a fragmentary rear view of the fertilizer distributingmechanism clutch and control therefor;

Figure 1'7 is a view similar to Figure 15, showing the fertilizerdistributing mechanism control generally along the line 2-2 of Figure 1,showing certain details of the Whitworth motion lifting mechanism, itsconnection to the planting means and the marker arms, and its connectionwith the drill shaft clutch and seed valve rocker shaft, whereby thelifting means controls the seeding mechanism when drilling or plantingin hills;

parts in inoperative position;

Figure 18 is a fragmentary enlarged plan view, showing in particular thecheck wire reel, with associated supporting and controlling meanstherefor;

Figure 19 is a view taken along the line l9-l8 of Figure 18, withcertain parts broken away, showing the marker arm support and latchmeans for holding the marker arm in raised position;

Figure 20 is a sectional view taken along the in which the latter drivesthe reel for reeling up the check wire and the other in which the shaftof the reel is locked against rotation, for laying out the check wire:

Figure 2- s a side view, showing the other side of the check wire reel,being a section taken generally along the line 23-23 of Figure 18;

Figure 24 is a sectional view, taken generally along the-line 24-24 ofFigure 18, showing the adjustable means for frictionally connecting thecheck wire reel and the check wire reel shaft; and

Figure 25 is a section takengenerally along the line 28-25 of Figure 24.

Referring now to the drawings, more particularly Figure 1. the planterchosen to illustrate the present invention. is shown as a four-rowplanter and comprises a generally rectangular frame indicated in itsentirety by the reference numeral I, a draft frame indicated in itsentirety by the reference numeral 2, and a plurality of planting units,preferably identical, each being indicated in its entirety by the,reference numeral 3. The draft frame 2 is pivoted at 5 on brackets l onthe main frame I. The frame I comprises a front transverse angle bar 6,a rear angle bar I and several longitudinally disposed cross bars,indicated by reference numerals 8 to II, inclusiv The cross bars 8, ll,l2 and I5 preferably are straight, and the two center cross bars ii andi2 are connected by a transverse angle l6 disposed a short distancerearwardly of the front main transverse frame angle 8. The rear ends ofthe bars 2a of the draft frame 2 are bent downwardly (Figure 12) andeach is provided with a plurality of apertures l1 to receive a bolt l3,whereby the hitch point may be adjusted to level the planter. The crossbars 9, i0 and l3, M are arranged in pairs, the bars of each pair beinglaterally spaced and bent adjacent their central portions so as to formfront generally horizontal sections 9a, lOa, etc., and rear upwardlyangled sections 8b, iflb, etc. Preferably. the cross frame members 9, Ii) and I3, H are in the form of angles to serve as rigid supportsconnecting the ground wheels is and to the frame I. Reference totheparticular manner in which the ground wheels are connected to theframe will be made below.

Theplanting units 3 are generally of conventional construction and eachincludes a hollow shank (Figure 7) carrying a shoe 28 at its lower endand a seed can 21' at its upper end. The latter includes conventionalseed selecting mechanism, including a rotatable seed plate (not shown),and the shank is connected for generally vertical swinging movement withthe front frame bar 6-by means of a pair of generally parallel links 2!and 29, similar to the construction shown in my prior Patent No.2,033,366, dated March 10, 1936, to which reference may be made ifdesired. Each of the upper links 28 consists of two bars suitablyconnected together for purposes of rigidity and pivotally connected attheir rear ends to the upper portion of the shank 25 and at theirforwardlends to suitable pivots 8| formed on or carried by a gearhousing 32. The latter also carrieslower pivots (not shown) to which theforward ends of the bars making up thelower link 28 are connected. Therear ends of the latter barslare pivoted in any suitable manner to therunner shank below the upper bars 30. Each of the planting units 3 alsoincludes a press wheel frame including spaced bars 38 (Figures 1 and 7)which are preferably fixed to the associated shank 25 in adjustedposition, and at their rear ends the bars 36 are spaced apart a distancesufficient to receive a pair of press wheels 38.. By virtue of theparallel link arrangement 28, 28, each runner and associated press wheelconstruction is permitted to move generally vertically relative to theplanter frame I and also relative to the other units. The seeding plateofeach planting unit is driven by means of a longitudinally extendingshaft 4! which is connected by universals, respectively, with a gear inthe gear housing 32 and a gear at the bottom of the seed can-21 thatdrives the associated seed plate, the universals just mentioned beingdisposed in line with the pivots by which the upper link 28 is.pivotally connected with the planter frame i and the planting unit 3, sothat vertical movement of the runner shoe and associated parts will notaffect the seed plate drive. A second gear in the gear case 32 mesheswith the above-mentioned gear for driving the latter, and said secondgear, together with the corresponding gears of the other planting units3, is adapted to receive a polygonal (preferably square) drill shaft II.The latter extends entirely through the associated part of the gear case32, and each gear case is adapted to be fixed to the front frame bar 6in difl'erent positions of lateral adjustment so as to provide forchanging the row spacing. In one form of the present invention, theplanting units are adjustable for 36-inch, 38- inch, 40-inch and 42-inchrow spacing. In order to accommodate this spacing, I prefer to form thedrill shaft 45 of uniform polygonal cross section and to extend the sameentirely through the gear and associated gear casing so that whenadjustments are to be made to change the row spacing,

all that it is necessary to do is shift the gear casings along the frontframe bar 6, the easings sliding along the drill shaft 45 of polygonaluniform cross section. Thus. so far as the drive from the drill shaft tothe seed plates is concerned, it is not necessary to loosen any partswhen making an adjustment for row spacing, except it is necessary toloosen an arm on the check fork rocker shaft which actuates the valvemeans (not shown) in the runner shank, as will be referred to below. Thedrill shaft 45 is formed associated gears and a self-interrupting clutchmechanism of conventional construction, controlled. by a clutch trip armIii. The drill shaft is shlftable bodily laterally by means of ashifting member 53 for the purpose of selecting the desired gear ratioso as to advance the seed plates to select the desired number ofkernels, usually 2, 3 or 4. This construction may be similar to thatshown in my prior Patent No. 2,147,726, issued February 21, 1939, towhich reference may be made if desired.

Each planting unit 3 includes valve mechanism, mentioned above, disposedin the runner shank and controlled by means of a valve rod 6| extendingforwardly and connected by means of a valve actuating arm 62. The latterincludes a cap and suitable bolt means whereby the arm may be firmlysecured to a transversely extending rocker shaft that extendsfrcmoneside of the machine to the other, with its ends disposed Just within theassociated laterally outer frame cross bar 8 or It, as best shown inFigure 1. An arm 68 is secured to each end of the rocker shaft" and isconnected by a check fork rod 61 to the check fork 88 of a check headindicatedin its entirety by the reference numeral 89. The check headscooperate alternately with a check wire of conventional construction,and if desired the cross section to facilitate making such adjustments.

The rocker shaft is supported on the front frame angle 0 for rockingmovement by means of bearing arms II which are bolted, as at 12, to thefront frame angle 0 in fixed position. Being of uniform hexagonal crosssection, the rocker shaft 65 requires a particular bearing arrangementto accommodate this construction, and as best shown in Figures 2 and 3,the rear end-of each rocker shaft arm II is provided with a cylindricalsection ll having an opening 14 to receive a chilled :Ioumal member IS.The latter is provided with a hexagonal central bore 16 to receive thehexagonal rocker shaft 05. Since the latter is of uniform cross section,the bearing member I! and associated parts may take any position alongthe shaft and still .provide a secure bearing support therefor. Theenlarged end 13 of the arm II is provided with a tapped opening II toreceive a lubricant fitting 0|. The bore communicates with the bore llin which the chilled journal I! is mounted for rocking movement. Thelatter is provided with a lug 02 which, when the parts are'assembled, isdisposed in an annular groove 84, the function of which is toaccommodate rocking movement of the shaft 80 and journal member but toprevent the latter from becoming displaced relative to the supportingarm II. In order to permit assembly, the arm II is formed with atransverse groove 05 open at either end and intersecting the annulargroove 04. An

index lug 80 is formed on one end of the member 15 so as to identify thelocation of the lug 82 in the annular groove 04. when assembling theparts, the journal sleeve 15 is first moved into place by sliding thelug 02 along the transverse groove 85 until it reaches the annulargroove 04. Then the member I5 is given a partial revolution, after whichthe rocker shaft-60 may be inserted by merely sliding the same into themember 15.

To retain lubricant within the bearing, I provide a pair of conicalwashers 9| and 02. These washers have relatively sharp edges which bearagainst the sides ofthe cylindrical portion 13 of the arm II and serveto provide a V-shaped ring .of lubricant, indicated at 03, at each endof the hearing. A U-shaped spring 05 has ends 01 and 88 (Figure 2)formed to embrace the bearing member 15 and to bear against the conicalwashers 9| and 82 for holding them in position. It will be seen,particularly from Figure 3, that by virtue of the two annular reservoirs93 of lubricant at each end of the bearing, an effective barrier againstthe entrance of dirt, grit and the like into the interior of the-bearingis provided, yet the adaptability of the bearing member 15 to bedisposed at any point along the hexagonal rockershaft '05 is notdisturbed and adequate lubrication for the rockable member 15, mwhatever position the shaft may take relative thereto, is assured.

Since all of the bearing arms II for the rocker shaft 65 are ofidentical construction,'the above description of one will suffice. Itwill be noted from Figure 1 that the engagement of the arms 00, which-isa clamping engagement. with the shaft ll Just outside the outer bearingarms ll, serves to prevent axial displacement of the shaft 00. Moreover,if per chance one or the other, or both, of the arms 00 should becomeloosened, the engagement of the ends of the shaft 00 with the frame bars8 and I! will prevent the shaft 00 from shifting too far out of positionto interfere with the proper operation of the associated valve mechanismand other parts.

The drill shaft 40 derives its operating energy from the ground wheelsis and 20 through suitable operating connections constructed generallyalong the lines of the driving connections shown in my prior Patent No.2,033,366, issued March 10, 1936, to which reference may be made ifnecessary. According to the present invention, and as best shown inFigures 1, 18, 20 and 21, the left hand ground wheel It includes a hubIOI that is mounted non-rotatably on a sleeve I02. The latter issupported for rotation on a shaft I06, the ends I05 and I08 of which aretapped to receive fastening cap screws I01 and I08. A pair of sand capsH0 and III are formed with hexagonal sockets, and the end I00 of theshaft I0! is upset to fit non-rotatably in the sand cap III. The socketin the other sand cap H0 receives the round end I00 of the shaft I04.The two sand caps I I0 and I I I, which preferably are identical, areprovided with lugs III and H4 which engage underneath the associatedframe angles I3 and I4, respectively. The vertical flanges of the anglesare apertured to receive the fastening cap screws Ill and I00. By virtueof the fact that the sand collars H0 and III engage the angles I3 and I4non-rotatably and the fact that the cap III also engages the shaft I04non-rotatably, the latter is fixed firmly and securely to the planterframe I. The sleeve I02, which is mounted for rotation on the fixedshaft I00, is considerably longer than the hub I0! of the wheel I9,thereby providing an opportunity to adjust the lateral position of thewheel relative to the planter frame, not only to accommodate diflerentadjusted positions to which the planting units 3 may be moved, but alsoto provide an opportunity for the farmer to adjust the wheels so as tofollow in the center of the tracks of his tractor or entirely away fromthem. To this end, 1 form the rotatable sleeve I02 with anexteriorsurface so as to present the cross section shown in Figure 21, thesleeve I02 having exterior flat sections I I1 and I Ill. The interior ofthe wheel hub I III is of complementary formation, and further, the hubIN is provided with cored openings II! to receive the inner end of a setscrew III. A collar I23 is disposed at each end of the wheel hub IM andis provided with a thickened section I24 that is tapped to receive theassociated set screw I2I. By tightening the set screws I2I, the wheel lscan be secured in adjusted position securely to the rotatable sleeveI02, and by loosening the screws I 2I, the wheel may be slid to breakageof the hub at one of the openings thereany desired position thereon. Ifdesired, the ends of the hub IOI may be threaded to receive the capscrews I2I, thereby eliminating the collars I23. However, I prefer theconstruction shown since in would require replacing the entire wheel,whereas breakage of one of the collars I28 would be a relatively minormatter and could be easily and cheaply replaced. The right hand wheel 20is connected with the planter frame in the same manner and by identicalmeans with that described above, and hence further description isunnecessary.

Each of the rotatable sleeves I82 is provided with a sprocket I3I overwhich a driving chain I32 is trained. The chains I32 are trained attheir forward Portions over sprockets I33, one of which is fixed to theouter end of each of two countershafts I34. The outer end oi eachcountershaft is supported by suitable bearing means I38, and at itsinner end each countershaft I34 is provided with a squared portion I38.Suitable differential means, indicated entirely by the reference numeralI, is connected with the adjacent inner ends I38 of the countershaftsections I34, and the difierential I is particularly constructed forquick and inexpensive assembly. To this end, the differential I4Iincludes a casting I43 which serves as a gear carrierfor a pair ofplanet pinions I44. The latter mesh with bevel gears I48 that aredisposed. respectively, on the inner squared ends I38 of thecountershaft sections I34. The differential gear carrier casting I43 isalso provided with sleeve sections I41 and I48 that are supported bysuitable bearings I48 on the transverse angle I8 (Figures 1 and 2).

The method of assembling the differential I4I is as follows: The twoplanet pinions I44 are mounted on their respective pivot studs I48.Next, the two bevel gears I48 are placed in mesh with the pinions I44with one gear I48 above the central opening in the gear carrier I48 andwith the other gear I48 below theopening. Then the two gears I48 arerocked or rolled about the axis defined by the studs I48 into positionwith the hubs of the gears I48 in line with the sleeves I41, I48.Lastly, the two countershaft sections I353 are inserted or passedthrough the respective sleeves I81 and I48 and into the hubs of thebevel gears I48. The hubs of the gears are provided with square openingsto receive the ends I88 of the countershafts I38, which ends I38 aresquare. By this means driving connection is established without anyother parts. When once the parts are in position as just described, theyare completely assembled without the use of any other fastening means.The position of the two bevel gears I88 before they are rocked or rolledinto place in the gear carrier I88, is indicated in dotted lines inFigure 4.

Preferably, the bearings I88 form a part of a bearing support I88bolted, as at I8I to the frame angle I 8, as best shown in Figure 2. Thesleeve I41 is extended toward the right side of the frame and formedwith or carries a sprocket I88 connected by a drive chain I88 to asprocket I81 that forms a part of the gearing disposed within or carriedby the gear case 88 (Figure 1). By

, this means, the drive from both wheels I8 and 28 is transmittedthrough the differential means I4I to the gearing 80 that drives thedrill shaft 45 When check-rowing, the rocker shaft 88 is operated fromthe check forks 88, but as will be described below, when drilling orplanting in hills the rocker shaft 88 is adapted to be actuated by othermeans.

A second sprocket I8I is formed on or carried by the sleeve section I41of the gear carrier I43 and is connected by a chain I82 (Figure 2) withthe drive sprocket I83 of a self-interrupting clutch indicated in itsentirety by the reference,

numeral I84. The latter includes a driven member I88 which has a portionextended to form a hub I81 that terminates laterally in a crank memberI88. The hub section I81 is supported for rotation by bearing means "Icarried by an its-races g 5 tends downwardly and forwardly therefrom andthen upwardly, as at I14, and. is secured to the cross angle I8. Theangle I12 forms the principal support for the lifting mechanism, ofwhich the clutch I84 mentioned above is a part, and cooperates with theadJacent frame bar II in supporting the entire clutch structure andasso-;

ciated parts. The driven member I88 of the clutch, of which the crankI88 is an integral part, is formed with a central opening I 18 thatextends through the entire unit, the member I88 having a hub (notshown)upon which the driving sprocket I83 is mounted. A fixed shaft I18 hasone and supported within the'crank' end of the member I88, as best shownin Figure 2, while the other end of the member I18 is provided with lefthand threads and is secured to the bar II by a nut I11. Thus, the entireclutch and driving unit is mounted for rotation on the fixed shaft I18which is supported by the two frame bars" and I12. The clutch I84 is, sofar as the clutch details is concerned, of conventional construction andembodies a clutch dog I8I carrying a roller (not shown) at its inner endthat is adapted to engage one of the scallops I82 formed on the flangeportion I88 of the sprocket I8 3. When the clutch dog roller engages theflange I83, the driving and driven parts of the clutch are connectedtogether indriving relation. Suitable spring means within the clutchserves to bias the clutch dog I8I for movement into a posit-ion causingthe roller to engage the scallops I82, and to disengage the clutch dogI8I, I provide a trip lever I8I which includes a lower section I82mounted for pivotal movement on a bolt I88 carried by the frame angleI12. Alug I98 is bolted, as at I91, to the lever ,I8I (Figures 2, 5 and8) and is adapted to engage one end I88 of a lever I88 that is mountedfor rotation about the axis of the clutch parts. Opposite the end H88,the lever I98 is provided with a nose 2M which engages a lug 282 formedon the clutch dog i8l.

' By virtue of the contact between the part 2M angle member I12 that iswelded, as at I18. at

its rear end to the rear frame angle 1 and exwith the clutch dog partcontrolled by the lever an end 203 which, like the end I98, extendsradially beyond the periphery of the driven clutch member I88 and isleft in a position to be engaged by the lug I88 on the trip lever i8I.Figure 5 shows the clutch disengaged, the end I88 282, the clutch dog isof the clutch controlling lever I88 being in en-' gagement with the lugI88 on the trip lever, whereby the end 20I of the lever I88 engages theclutch dog I8I at 282 and shifts the roller redially inwardly out ofengagement with the scallops I82 (Figure 2) on the driving member I88.When the parts are in the positions shown in Figure 5,. the clutch isdisengaged. A spring 2| 8 is connected at its upper end with a pin 2carried by the trip lever I8I and at its lower end is connected to aneye bolt 2 l2 that is anchored in the horizontal flange oi the angleI12, just forwardly of the bearing "I. The spring 2I8 thus urges thetrip lever I8I toward a position in which the lug I88 will engage eitherthe end I88 or the end 283 of the clutch dog controlling lever I88.

It will be remembered that the sprocket I88, which constitutes at leasta part of the driving member of the self-interrupting clutch I88, isconstantly driven by the chain I82 and other parts from'both groundwheels I8 and 28 of the planter. Therefore, when the trip lever I 8| ismoved forwardly, or to the left as viewed in Figure 5, the lug I88 willbe carried away from the end I88 of the clutch controliinglever I88,wherei89. The latter-also has If the implement is in motion then thedrive will be transmitted from the ground wheels through the clutch I84to the crank M8. The latter-will therefore be driven, in acounterclockwise direction as viewed in Figure 5, until the end 283 hasrotated an amount sufilcient to come into engagement with the lug I88.assuming theoperator has by this time released the trip lever I8I sothat the spring 2I8 pulls the trip lever back into its original positionin which the lug rides along the periphery of the member I88. when theend-283 engages the lug, the clutch dog controlling lever I88 can nolonger rotate with the driven member I88 of the clutch so that a slightadditional rotation of the parts will cause the end 28I of the lever I88to act against the end 282 of the clutch dog I8I, swinging the rollerout of engagement with the scallops I82 on the driving flange I88(Figure 2) thus interrupting the drive and terminating the movement ofthe crank I88 in about the position shown in Figure 2. The

clutch dog I8I is connected with the roller (not shown) on the inside ofthe member I88 by a connection extending through a slot 2I5 formed inthe member I88. The driving chain, by which drive from the ground wheelsis transmitted to the driving sprocket I82, is maintained tight by meansof an idler sprocket 2I8 adjustably supported on a bracket 2 II.

The crank I88 is operatively connected to raise the planting shoes orrunners into raised or translport position by means that includes aswingalbly mounted lever 225. The crank I88 and the lever 225 areconnected together by a slide 228 which has a portion 221 slidablyreceiving the lever 225- and a bearing section 228 in which a crank pin228 on the crank I88 is received. The

' swingably mounted lever 225 is pivoted on a tive magnitude or theseranges may be selected as desired byv choosing the proper length ofcrank I88 and the, proper distance betweenthe pivots 1 I18 and HI.When'the'swingably mounted lifting lever 225 is in its raised position.as shown I in Figure 5, the parts occupy-substantially a dead-centerposition, whereby the weight or the tools imposed by the lifting lever225 against the crank I88 has notendency to rock the latter ineither onedirection or the other. The means by which the swingably mounted liftinglever 225 described later,

bolt 2-8I carried by a bracket 232, one end 284 of which is disposedlaterally and welded, as at 285, to the supporting frame bar I12. The

' other end 281 of the support 232 is welded at 288 to the angle I I2.The crank I88 and swingably mounted lever 225, together with associatedparts, constitute a Whitworth quick return motion and has the operatingcharacteristic that the extent of rotation of the crank to swing thelever from one position to the other is much greater than is required toswing the lever from said other position back to said one position wherethe crank always rotates in one direction. This type of movement is madeuse of in the present invention for the purpose of securing a liftingaction through an effective range of movement which is much greater whenlifting than when lowering. For example, Figure 2 illustrates theposition of the swingably mounted lever 225 that corresponds to thelowered position of the planting shoes. The crank I68, when the triplever I8I is moved forwardly and the clutch engaged,

moves in a counterclockwise direction through an angular displacement ofapproximately 240 degrees and swinging the lever 225 forwardly to theposition shown in Figure 5. On this other hand the rotation of the crankI88, again in a counterclockwise direction, from the position shown inFigure 5 back to the position shown in Figure 2, requires an angulardisplacement of only approximately 120 degrees. Thus, the amount ofpower required is reduced by the same [proportion that the raising rangeis extended,

as compared with the lowering range. The re1a- The fact that the type ofmotion incorporated in the lifting mechanism of the present Inventionmakes it possible to employ a relatively stable dead-center relation,due partly because of the arrangement of the slide 228 on the swingablelever 225, afi'ords an opportunity to provide means associated with theself-interrupting clutch trip lever I8I whereby it may be momentarilyactuated to engage the clutch when the implement is not in motion,conditioning the clutch so that it will transmit lowering motion to thetools as soon as the implement starts to move forwardly, but which doesnot permit the implement tools to fall tothe ground the instant the triplever I8I has been actuated. With this type or construction it thenbecomes desirable to provide some means for holding the trip lever inits disengaged position after having once been momentarily moved intoits disengaged positionv to provide for engaging the lifting clutch. Tothis end and according to the present inventionl so construct the clutchdog controlling lever I89 so that, whether the lifting mechanism isinits raised position or in its lowered position, the clutch lever I99is always biased to move in a counterclockwise direction and so brin oneor the other of its ends I98 and 288 behind the lug I88 on the triplever ISI the instant the latter is moved, in a counterclockwisedirection as aids in this action; and a lug 285 on the clutch member I88limits the movement of the part I99. Thus, it is possible for the farmerto pull the trip rope when the implement is standing still whereby thelifting clutch is placed in engaging position but in which the tools areheld in raised position until the implement is actually moving forwardlyso that the drive from the ground wheels can act through the engagedlifting clutch to swing the lifting crank I58 from the position shown inFigure 5 back toward the position shown in Figure 2. This has anespecially important advantage in a planter, for if the runners of thelatter should be dropped to the ground while the planter is stationary,it would cause only a very slight backwar movement or the runners, whichmight easily occur inadvertently, to clog the runners with earth. Thiswould interfere with the proper planting of the seed and would probablyrequire that the farmer dismount from the tractor, go back and manuallyclear out the runners before proceeding further. It is therefore animportant feature of this invention to provide means insuring that theplanter shoes will not be dropped, even though the clutch trip lever isactuated, until the implement acturally is moving forwardly. v

The means for connecting the swingably mounted lever 225 with the toolswill now be de- 248 are connected to the right 9,876,40 lever 228 isapertured at its upper end to receive posed at theright side,constituting two pairs extending rearwardly and then laterally outwardlyfrom the follower lever 228. The means connecting each pair of chains tothe plate 248 preferably comprises a link In (Figure 2) that extendsthrough an opening in the lower portion of the left side of the plate248, with a cotter 282 or equivalent means passed through the link 28iat theforward side of the plate 248. The link "I connects the lowerchain 248 to the plate 248. The upper chain 248 of this pair ispreferably connected to the plate 248 by means of an eye bolt 288threaded at its forward end and carrying an adjusting nut 288. The upperchain 248 the same manner just described, and hence a furtherdescription is unnecessary. By virtue of the two sets of chains 248, 248and 241, 248 whenever the follower arm 228 is swung by the rotation ofthe crank 288 from the position shown in Figure 2 to the position shownin Figure 5, a pull is exerted on the chains which lifts all fourplanting units into their raised position, the units being .locked intheir raised position by virtue of the dead-center relation between thelever 228 in its forward position and the crank I88 (Figure If it shouldbe desired to relieve the lifting mechanism of the work of holding theplanting units 8 in their raised position, thechains maybe hookeddirectly to the frame angle 1. To this end, I provide each of thebrackets 288 and 218 with a slot 2" in which enact the links of theassociated chain maybe engaged, thus mechanically and is connected byany suitable means to the eye of 1 the bolt 288. The other pair ofchains 241 and 248 by the same means, and hence further description isunnecessary. Referring particularly to the left hand pair oi chain's 248and -248, it will be seen from Figure 2 that they are trained around apair of sheaves 28! and 282 which are disposed for rotation on a shaft288 'that forms a part of a bracket structure 284. Similarly, the righthand chains 241 and 248 are trained over a pair of sheaves 28m and 282a(Figure 7). The

chains'248 and 248 are extended from the bracket 288 laterally outwardlyalong the rear frame bar 1, as best shown in Figure 7, Just inside therear flange 1a thereof. The first chain 248 is extended over a sheave281 carried by a sheave bracket 288 connected by a bolt 212 to the rearframe angle '1 immediately behind the inner left hand planting unit 3.The chain 248 then extends downwardly and is connected to the shank 28of the end of the plate positively holding the associated runners intheir elevated position. This takes the strain off of the major portionsof the chains and the lifting mechanism and is preferably used whentransporting the machine from field to fleld or along highways, Figure11 shows the bracket 218, and it will be understood that the otherbracket 288 is of similar slotted construction.

As mentioned above, be adjusted on the frame i to provide for differentrow spacings. The rear angle 1 is therefore provided with a plurality ofopenings'z'iza and 218a so that the bolts 212 and 218 may support thebrackets 288 and 218 in positions correspondall) left inner unit 8 bymeans of a cotter 288. The

other chain 288, which is heavier than the chain 248, extends over .asecond sheave 2' carried on the pivot bolt 212 between the bracket 288and the vertical flange 1a of the angle 1. The bracket 288 is preventedfrom turning on the bolt 212 by virtue of the engagement of its upperend with the horizontal flange of the angle 7, the construction beingsubstantially the same as the bracket 218 and associated parts shown inFigure 11 and described below. Laterally outwardly of the bracket 288the upper chain 248 extends through a chain guide 218 bolted as at 214to the flange 1a of the angle 1 and passes over another sheave 218carried by a bolt 218 passing through the rear frame angle 1. The pivotbolt 218 also carries a sheave bracket 218. Preferably, the bracket 218is substantially identical with the bracket 288. Passing over the sheave218. the chain 248 extends laterally outwardly over a sheave 82i carriedon a bolt 822 and is connected with the marker arm 28i, as will bedescribed below. The bracket 218 is mounted on the frame angle 1substantially directly behind the outer left hand planting unit. Anauxiliary lifting chain 828 is connected to the lifting chain 248, as at8l8, and extends over a sheave 218a on the bolt 218. and thencedownwardly where it is connected withthe shank 28 of the outside lefthand planting unit 8. The other pair of chains 241 and 248 are supportedand connected, respectively, to the right hand inint! to the positionsof the planting units 3. The cutters 288 and 211 may be readily removedand engaged with diiferent links of the lifting chains 248 and 248 so asto adjust the lifting means for the various positions of the brackets288 and 218.

According to the present invention, automatic markers are provided inwhich a pull on the power lift trip rope engages the clutch so that whenthe planter moves forwardly and the planting units are lowered, theproper marker is dropped automatically. When the power lift is actuatedto raise the units, as at the end of the row, the marker is raised asthe runners are raised. Lastly the subsequent operation of the powerlift trip rope engages the clutch and, when the implement movesforwardly, again lowers the runners and also the other marker. matlcmarker mechanism will now be described.

The rig t and left hand markers are indicated, respectively, by thereference numerals 288 and 28l (Figure 1), and since the marker arms andassociated parts are substantially identical. 2. description of one willsuflicel Referring now more particularly to Figures 7 and 19, which showthe left hand marker, it will be seen that each marker includes a markerarm 292 of generally channel construction with the flanges extendingrearwardly, thus presenting what is equivalent to a rounded front sideupon which it is unlikely t at the check wire or other objects willcatch. A marking disc (not shown) is fixed to the outer end ofthe markerarm 282 in any suitable manner. The lower or inner end of the marker arm292 is supported for pivotal movement on a pin 288 which is fixed to thelower end of a standard 288 the upper end of which is fixed in anysuitner and outer planting units 8 in substantially longer hearing atthe lower portion of the marker arm 292, through which the pivot pin 295extends, the flanges of the marker arm 282 are crimped as the plantingunits 8 may a The autoof. The latch 303 is provided with a detent 305that is adapted to engage in a notch 306 formed in the marker bracket298. The marker latch 303 also includes an end 308 that extends upwardlythrough a slot 309 formed in the horizontal flange ofthe angle 1, theend 308 being. apertured to receive the laterally outer bent and 3!! ofa latch controlling rod 312. A spring 3!3 is disposed about a lug 314formed on the detent section 305 of the latch 303, the spring 3l3bearing against a washer 315 which overlies the slot 309. The spring 3!3 thus serves as means biasing the latch 303 for engagement in themarker bracket notch 306; The latch 303 has an extension 318 which isformed to engage the under side of the horizontal flange of the frameangle 1 opposite the detent section 305, thus serving as means limitingthe movement of the detent section under the bias of the spring 3".

The marker latch bracket 298 also serves as a part of the means by whicha'marker lifting chain 246 (Figures "1 and 19) is connected at its outerend to the marker 29! in cushioned relation.

. As best shown in Figure 19, the outer nd of the chain 246 is trainedover the sheave 32! and is connected to a link 323, one end of which ispivoted in an opening in the marker latch bracket 238. The other end ofthe link 323 is provided with an eye 324 in which one link of the chain246 is disposed and also the upper end of a spring 325. The lower end ofthe latter is anchored to the lower end of the standard 396 by a rod orlink 326. The inner end of the outer planting unit lifting chain 320, asbest shown in Figure "l, is connected to the chain 246. Thus, wheneverthe power lift is actuated and pulls the chain 245 in a direction toraise the associated marker, a pull is also exerted through the liftingchain 320 against the runner shank of the associated planting unit. Thepull on the marker is cushioned by the spring and link 32 3, 325,whereby the strain of lifting the marker arm and the inertia loadsincident to initially raising the marker are cushioned. The initialtension imparted to the spring 325 when lifting the markers also servesto insure that the marker arm will be brought up to a position in whichit will be engaged by the latch 303. When the latter hooks into thebracket 298, the marker arm 282 will be locked in raised position,entirely independent of the chain 246. Thus, it is not necessary toprovide any slotted bracket for the chain 246 for transport purposes.When it is desired to lower the marker 29 I, a pull may be exerted onthe latch controlling rod 312 so as to swing the latch 303 in aclockwise direction (Figure 19), thereby releasing the marker andpermitting the same to swing downwardly, providing of course, that thechain 246 is slack, which occurs when the lifting arm 225 is in its rearposition (Figure 2).

The right hand marker is of similar construc-' tion, the parts beingsubstantially identical except that some may be right hand while theothers are left hand, and hence a further description of the marker armand latch means adapted to hold the same in raised position isunnecessary. Each 7 marker arm is reenforced by a tension rod 323 thatis connected at its outer end to the outer end of the associated markerarm and is pivotally connected at its inner and to a bracket 329 fixedto the end of the front frame angle 6. as best shown in Figure 1a.

One feature of the present invention is the control of the markerraising and lowering means and the associated marker arm latch means bysuitable connections with the power lift mechanism that raises andlowers the planting means. As best shown in Figure 1, the right and lefthand marker latch controlling rods 312 extend laterally inwardly fromthe latches 333 to substantially the center of the machine. The innerend or each of these latch controlling rods 312 is threaded into amarker latch rod casting 335, each of which receives a pivot pin 336.- Aleft hand latch rod pull lever 333 is provided with an opening at oneend to receive the pin 336 and is also provided with a pair of lugs 333by which the pull lever 338 is mounted for limited swinging movement ina marker control bracket 34!, best shown in Figures 2, 8, 9 and 10. Aright hand latch rod pull lever 343 is provided with an opening at oneend to receive the pin 336 of the left hand-latch rod 2 and is alsoprovided with a pair of lugs 344 by which the lever 343 is mounted inthe bracket 34'! alongside the left hand latch rod pull lever 333.

The end of each of the levers 333 and 343 opposite the end receiving theassociated pin 333 is curved, as at 333a and 343a. These curved endscooperate with a marker trip cam member formed on the bracket 34!, thelug 353 and the bushing 341 serves as spacing means disposing the plate349 a distance above the body of the bracket 3. The latter is providedwith a pair of ears 355 by which it is secured to the upper ends of thebolts 263 on which the chain sheaves 26!, 262 and 261a, 26211 aremounted. By this means the bracket 34! is fixed to the central portionof the rear frame angle 1. If desired, however, the bracket 34! may bebolted directly to the angle 1.

Referring again to Figures 8 and 9, the cam member 346 is provided witha pair of arms 351 and 353, extending generally in diametrically opposedrelation, and a pair of shoulders 38! and 362, the shoulders beingadapted to engage the curved ends 338:; and 343a, respectively. A thirdshoulder 335 (Figure 10) is formed on the cam member 348 generallymidway between the shoulders 36! and 362, and the shoulder 355 isadapted to engage either one or the other of the curved pull lever ends338a and 343a. Anarm 366 extends downwardly and generally radiallyoutwardly and has a hook end 381 formed thereon and adapted to receiveone end of a spring 363 (Figure 10,), the opposite end of which-isadapted to engage over the hook end 31! of a similarly extending arm 312formed on the lower portion of a marker control reversing -swivel.313.The latter member is provided with upper and lower studs 314 and 315adapted to be received in suitably formed-openings in the upper plate349 and the adacent portion of the central part ofthe bracket 34!, asbest shown in Figure I 380 and is shiftable 10. From Figures 8 and 9 itwill be seen that the swivel arm 312 extends over the axis defined bythe pivot studs 314 and 315.

The reversing swivel 313 has a nose 335 which is formed to swing fromone side to the other of the forward portion" of the slot 380, and tothis end the bracket 94! is provided with a pair of recesses 388 and331. A marker control actuating rod 3 (Figure 2) is provided with adownturned end 392 that is disposed in the slot alternately into theslots 388 and 384 for controlling the marker latches. The-rod 39lextends forwardly from the bracket 3M and is curved, as at 394, andpasses through an opening 395 formed in the upper flattened end 396 oftheswingable lifting-lever 225 (Fig ure 2), the curved portion 394'being generally arcuate about the axis 23! of the lever 225. The forwardend of the rod 39! is threaded and receives a pair oi lock nuts 39'!which serves as a stop by which the movement of the lever 226, after theend 398 engages the locknut 391, actuates the rod 39L At the end ofthe-curved section 394 the rod 3M is provided with an abrupt bend 398which serves as a stop or abutment by which at the other end of itsrange of movement the lever 225 may shift the rod 39L The operation ofthe swingably mounted lifting lever 226 raises and lowers the planterrunners, raises and lowers themarkers, and controls the marker armengaging latches in the following manner:

Assuming that the planters have been lowered by the movement of theswinging lever 225 into 2%, 2% and 2&7, we will be slackened, whichpermits the rurmers to mov downwardly, provided oi course that theimplement has first been moved forwardly to permit the crank use and 225to move out of its dead-center relationship (Figure 5). The subsequentmovement of the lever 22b baclr toward its position shown in Figure 2clutch I64 and causes the crank 1168 to swing from the position shown inFigure 2 into the'position shown in Figure 5. This swings the lever 225forwardly, thus exerting a, pull on each of the chains 245, 245 and 2M,2%, thus raising the planter runners. Also, the lowered marker arm willbe raised since it is connected to the upper lifting chain 2% in thesamemanner that the chain 320 is connected to the liftingphain 246 (Figure'1) As the lever are then approaches its forwardposition (Figure 5) theend 996 will engage the lock nuts 89? and pull the actuating rod 33lforwardly. The rear end 392 of the actuating rod will then moveforwardly from its dotted line position in Figure 8 past the nose 335its position shown in Figure 2, the lifting chains of the reversingswivel and .into the slot 334.

iii

pivot axis 8N, MB

nests in the recess 38?.

This movement 01' the end 392 causes it to engage the .arm 358 of thecam member 348. and continued forward movement of the actuating rod 39lcauses the end 392 to act on the arm 358 and swing the cam member 343into the position shown in Figure 9. The movement of the cam member 348from the position shown in Figure 8 to the position shown in Figure 9performs three functions. First, the nose 335 (Figure 8) moves awayfromthe curved end 3434: of the pullllever 343 and eventually moves! overinto engagement with the curved end 338a finally when the end 392 of thepull rod 39l reaches the end of the slot 334' (Figure 9) the nose 365will have swung around and then have forced th lever 338 to move in acounterclockwise marker arm bracket 298, but the marker arm 29L will notswing downwardly into operating position because the power liftmechanism. is in its raised position which exerts a pull on theassociated chains and thus hold both markers in raised position. Theswinging movement of the cam member 346 from the position shown inFigure 8 to the position shown in Figure 9 swings the spring receivingend 361 past the line connecting the pivot 35! of the member 346 and theof the reversing swivel, and as soon as the end 397 passes this line,the spring 368 snaps the reversing swivel 373 over into its otherpositon, Figure 9, in which the nose 385 This is the second runotion ofthe cam member 3%. The third function which occurs when the member 346moves from the position shown in Figure 8 over into the position shownin Figure 9 is the releasing of the latch rod pull lever 343, which iseffected by the shoulder 385 moving away from the curved end 343a(Figure 8), and this permits the spring 0! the associated latch at theright side of the machine to move into a position to engage the righthand marker arm and latch the same in raised position.

When the farmer is again ready to plant, he pulls the trip ropeconnected with the trip lever 691 which engages the clutch, and thenwhen the machine begins to move forwardly the swingably mounted lever225 swings rearwardly and releases the chains, thus to lower and alsopermits the left hand marker arm to lower, since its latch was pulledinto released position by the movement of the cam member 3% from itsposition shown in Figure 8 to its position shown in Figure 9, As themember 226 is swinging rearwardly from its position shown in Figure 5 toits position shown in Figure 2, the end 3% engages the abutment tee andmoves th latch actuating rod 39| rearwardly. The rearward movement ofthis member causes the end 392 (Figure 9) to move rearwardly', snappingpast the nose 3% of the reversing swivel 373. Now when the farmer againreaches the end of the row and actuates the power lift clutch mechanismto raise the tools, the forward swinging movement of the lever 22% willshift the rod 33l forwardly, but this time the end 392, which is in theposition shown in dotted lines in Figure 10,

member 348 i'rom the position shown in Figure 9 of the lever 338 untilpermitting the planter runners the arm 35! and swing the cam back to itsposition shown in Figure 8, this being the reverse of the operationdescribed above. Thus, this time the latch for the right marker will bepulled into a position releasing the marker arm and the latch for theleft hand marker arm will be permitted to engage the associated markerarm, whereuporrwhen the planter is again started up and the plamtenrunners lowered, the right hand marker will again be lowered while theleft hand marker will be held in raised position.

The mechanism as 11151: described therefore acts to automaticallylatch-one marker in raised position and free the other marker to belowered into operating position in alternate relation with respect tothe raising and lowering of the tools. This saves the operator's timeandmakes it impossible for him to forget to drop the marker,

since they are automatically controlled without and the selection ofseed thereby. Reference was also made to the check fork rocker shaft 65and the self-interrupting clutch disposed in or alongside the gear case50 and controlled by the clutch trip lever 5i. Referring now moreparticularly to Figure 2, the check fork rocker shaft 65 carries a camarm 40l which has a head 402 formed with a cam section 403 and a dwellsectiron 404. The head 402 is provided with a tapped boss 405 that isadapted to carry a roller for use when planting in hills, as will bereferred to below. The cam arm 40i is secured in any suitable man- 428may therefore be grasped and engaged with the bracket 423 in any one ofseveral diiferent positions, thus adjusting the tension in the sprin424. The cam arm extension.420 it provided with a laterally extendinglug 43l and, as best shown in Figures 1 and 12, the rear end of the rod412 that engages an aperture in the upper end of the clutch controllinglever ii is extended laterally as at 432. For controlling the seedingmechanism from the generally longitudinally swingable lifting lever 225,the latter is apertured adjacent the pivot 23lv to receive the laterallyturned end 435 of a rod 438 that extends forwardly and passes through anopening 431 in the vertical flange of the frame angle I8, the forwardend of the rod 438 being disposed alongside the clutch controlling lever5l. An arm 438 is adlustably disposed on the forward end of the rod 438and is adapted to be'fixed thereto in any one of several riggitions ofadjustment by means of a set screw The seed selecting and associatedmechanisms just described may be arranged optionally for check-rowing,drilling or planting in hills, and in the two latter operations theplanting is autoinatically thrown in and out of operation by the rod 438that is connected with the longitudinally swingable lifting lever 225.seeding mechanism by the lifting lever 225 is effected as follows:

When check-rowing, in which the entire control of the seeding means isperformed by the check wire, the arm 438 is placed in the position shownin Figure 2, and then fixed in this position by tightening the set screw438. In this position the arm 438 is out of the way and does notinterfere with the check-rowing operation.- Each time the check fork 58encounters a button on the check wire, the rocker shaft 55 is rocked,and this causes the arm to be swung upwardly and rearwardly. Thisrocking movement of the rocker shaft 55 opens the valves in the runnerner to the rocker shaft 85 between the bearing support arm ll (Figure 2)and the gear case 50 so that the cam section 403 is in a position toengage the roller 408 disposed on a stud 409 carried by the lower end ofthe clutch controlling lever 5|. The upper end 4| I of the latter isconnected bya link 2 to one end of a spring 3,

' the other end of which is anchored to a bracket check forks of thecheck heads 89 are in their forward position, the cam arm 40! is swungforwardly and downwardly so that the lower end of the dwell section 404engages the adjacent portion of the front frame angle 5, and since thespring urges the lever 5| for movement in a direction which carries theroller 408 into engagement with the cam section 403, the angle 6 servesas a stop for the arm 4M and the arm 40l serves as a stop for the lever5|. The cam arm 40! includes a generally upwardly extending section 420which has connected to it the rear end of a spring 42 I, the forward endof which is adjustably connected to a bracket 423 bolted, as at 424, tothe forward side of the frame angle 8. Preferably, the bracket 423 isslotted and the connection between the bracket and the spring 42!consists of 421 thereon and a handle section 428. The link shanks 25 bythe connecting rods 5! and asso ciated parts. Also, as the arm 40!swings upwardly and rearwardly, the cam section 403 engages the roller408 and imparts a clockwise rocking movement to the clutch mechanism 5i.The clutch is thus engaged and serves to connect the seed plateadvancing means, which includes the drill shaft 45, with the constantlyrotating sprocket l5! (Figure 1) which is driven from the ground wheelsat a selected rate of speed. If it is desired to drill, then it isnecessary to hold the clutch 5| in engagement and the valves in therunner shanks 25 open when the implement is moving, but in drilling itis quite desirable to automatically start and stop the drillingoperation when the planter runners are lowered and raised by the liftingmechanism. The connection between theseeding mechanism and the liftinglever 225 described above is adapted to efiect this automatic control,which is done by loosening the set screw 438 and shifting the arm 438forwardly and engaging it on the forward side of the roller 432 when thelifting lever 225 is in a raised position and the rocker shaft arm 40lin its lowered position, as shown in Figure 2. Then when the implementis started up and the power lift mechanism operated to swing the lever225 rearwardly, this imparts rearward longitudinal movement to the rod435 shifting it inthat direction and causing the arm 438 to swing thecam arm 40l upwardly and rearwardly intothe position shown in Figure 12.Not only does this open the valves, since it rocks the rock shaft 85,but

The control of the,

- thereto so that when the lifting lever also the upward movement of thehead 488 of the cam arm I swings the clutch controlling lever II toengage the clutch and cause the drill shaft 4| to be continuouslyactuated. However, as soon as the tools are raised by swinging the lever22! forwardly. the arm 488 on the rod 488 is shifted forwardly, whichpermits the spring 421 to swing the camarm I downwardly and forwardly,thus closing the valves and disconnecting the clutch by permitting theclutch controlling lever II to be rocked in a counterclockwise direction(Figure 12) by the spring 4". In this way. therefore, by a simplerearrangement of one of the parts. the power lift mechanism of thepresent invention is admirably adapted to automatically start and stopthe drilling operation simultaneously with the lowering and raising ofthe planting units,

By anothersimple adjustment of the connection between the power liftmechanism of the present invention and the seeding mechanism, anautomatic control for planting in hills and for automatically startingand stopping the planting operation by the power lift is secured. Toprovide a hill drop, according to the present invention, I mount astriker or knocker 440 (Figure 14) on the central portion 41 of thedrill shaft 45. The striker 448 consists of a hub 44! and two arms 442and 448, generally disposed in diametrically opposite relation, as shownin Figure 13. The arm 448 is wider than the arm 442, and a set screw 448is provided whereby the knocker 440 may be loosened relative to theshaft 41 and shifted to different positions thereon. In addition to theknocker 448, I provide a roller 448 mounted on a stud 468, the latterbeing adapted to be screwed into the tapped boss 4% on the cam arm 886.When the striker 488 is disposed on the drill shaft section 81 close tothe cam arm Mil, both arms 882 and M8 are adapted to engage the roller848. If the knocker M8 is moved slightly away from the arm 38i as shownin dotted lines in Figure M, then only the arm 888 will engagethe'roller 888. To plant in hills the arm 4138 is adjusted along the rod488 to a point near the forward end thereof and fixed 228 is in itslowered position, the arm 888 will be disposed in a position to engagethe end 882 of the link M2 and will swing theclutch controlling lever.81 clockwise (Figure 13) into a position in which the clutch isengaged, thus driving the drill shaft continuously as long as theplanting units are in lowered position. As the drill shaft section 81rotates, the knocker 448 will rotate with it, bringing either one orboth of the arms 442 and 843 into engagement with the roller 449 on thecam arm 4!. Therefore, periodically the striker will engage the arm 4Mand swing the same upwardly and rearwardly, thus rocking the rockershaft 85 and periodically opening the valves in the runner shanks. Thecontinuous rotation of the drill shaft causes a continuous movement ofthe seed plates, but since the valves in the runner shanks are openedonly periodically, the seed is collected to form a hill and thendeposited in a group, the spacing between adjacent groups depending uponthe position of the striker 440 and the particular gear ratio at whichthe drill shaft is rotated. Since the rod 488 is shifted longitudinallywith the longitudinal swinging movement of the lifting lever 225, itwill be seen that the engagement and disengagement of the clutch 8| forplanting in hills is effected automatically by the raising and loweringof the tools. Figure 13 shows the posiasvases openin in the inengagement, and thedrive the slot having an enlargement 482 tion of theparts when the planter runners are in operating position and the liftinglever 22! in- Referring first to Figure 1, a fertilizer container I 488is mounted in any suitable manner on the rear frame bar 1, preferablysubstantially directly above the rear end of the planting shoes. and atransverse shaft 48l extends from one side of the machine to the otherfor driving all of the fertilizer distributing means at the same time.The present invention is not concerned with the particular details ofthe fertilizer distributing mechanism, and hence the same is notdescribed in detail. It will be'understood that the rotation of theshaft 4H actuates the fertilizer distributing means in or along the rowsof planted seed in the usual manner. The shaft 481 is supported in anysuitable manner from the rear frame angle 1 or from the fertilizerdistributing units themselves, if desired, and the shaft 481 is drivenfrom a sprocket 453 that is fixed to rotate with the sprocket I 88(Figure 2) that, drives the power lift mechanism. To this end, asprocket chain 455 i trained around the sprocket 488 and a sprocket 488(Figure 16) mounted for rotation relative to the shaft 45d, as by beingdisposed in a bearing bracket 488 fixed, as at 458, to the rear frameangle 1. The sprocket 858 is formed with a clutch'section 88! havingclutch teeth cooperating with a second clutch section 482 that isslidable but nonrotatable on the shaft 481. A spring 888 serves to urgethe clutch section 482 into engagement with the driving clutch section461. The slidable clutch section 462 is formedwith against which arockable clutch actuating mem ber $81 is disposed. The latter is formedwith a cam section 869 which is in engagement with a corresponding camsection 81! formed on the adjacent portion of the bracket 488. Thelatter also has a pair of notche 412 and'413, in either of which the end818 of the cam lug 188 may be disposed. When the cam 488 is disposedagainst the cam ection 811 in the position shown in Figure 16, the twoclutch parts 461 and 462 are is transmitted from the sprocket 453, thechain 485 and the sprocket 488 through the two clutch parts to thefertilizer drive shaft 415i. trolling member 481 be rocked from theposition shown in full lines in Figure 15 to the position shown indotted lines, the cam sections 488 and "I will cause an axial shiftingmovement of the member 481, carrying with it the clutch part 482 anddisengaging the latter from the driving clutch part 48l, thusdisconnecting the drive to the fertilizer distributing means.

The clutch controlling member 481 is provided with a handle 418 so thatthe member may be manually controlled when desired. Preferably, however,the member 481 is connected so as to be operated by the crank I88 of theWhitworth quick return motion, and to this end the memher 481 isprovided with a flanged .part 418 having a enerally arcuate slot 481formed therein, at one end and a radial slot extension 483 at the otherend. An operating rod 485 is provided with a connecting casting 488 atits rear end, the rod 488 being and deposits fertilizer a flange set If,however, the clutch con- 1 2 threaded thereinto and the casting ushaving 9. ing 4" (Figure 16) that is adapted to be inserwd through theopening 482 and then shifted into the slot extension 488, the lug havingan enlarged head, as best shown in Figure 16. The forward end of theactuating rod 488 is bent laterally and then forwardly so as to beengageable in the aperture in a lug 481 formed on or carried by aswingable actuating lever 482 mounted for rocking movement on a pivotstud 488. The member 482 is of particular formation. The upper endextends forwardly, as at 488, so as to be in a position overlying thecrank end of the member 188, as best shown in Figure 15. At the otherside of the stud 488', the member 482 is formed with a curved section488 which normally is disposed" underneath the crank end of the member188. Offset laterally inwardly from the plane of the main body of themember 482 is a lug 481 which is adapted to engage the flange of theframe angle 112 to limit the clockwise movement (Figure of the actuatingmember 482, especially when the parts are free (Figure 17).

The operation of the fertilizer distributor control is as follows,referring to Figure 15. In this figure the lifting crank member 188 isshown in the position it occupies when the tools are lowered, and thefertilizer control lever 481 is shown in full lines in the position inwhich the fertilizer drive shaft 481 is connected with the drivingmechanism. when the farmer reaches the end of the row and operates thelifting mechanism to raise the tools, the counterclockwise rotation ofthe member 188 (Figures 2 and 15), causes the member 482 to be swungfrom its full line position, Figure 15, into its dotted line position.This exerts a pull on the rod 488 and swings the fertilizer clutchcontrol member 481 into its dotted line position, whereupon the cammembers 488 and 411 (Figure 16) cause a separation of the clutchelements 481 and 482, thus disconnecting the fertilizer drive. It willbe noted that it is the initial movement of the member 188 that effectsa complete disconnection of the fertilizer drive, almost before thechains 248, 248 and 241, 248 have started to raise the planter shoes.When the fertilizer control member 481 is swung into its dotted lineposition, Figure 15, the end 414 (Figure 16) moves laterally outwardlyalong the cam section 411 until it engages in the first notch 412. Sincethe spring 488 constantly urges the fertilizer control member 481 to theright (Figure 16) the member 481 remains in this position so long as thetools are raised and the crank member 188 remains in the position shownin Figure 5. This holds the operating member 482 in substantially theosition shown in dotted lines in Figure 15. when the farmer again startsto plant and lowers the tools by tripping the power lift mechanism, thecrank 188 swings in a counterclockwise direction from the position shownin Figure 5 back to the position shown in Figures 2 and 15. As the crankmember 188 approaches its lowered position, it engages the curvedportlon 488 of the member 482, which at this time is disposed in itsdotted line position, Figure 15, and the completion of the movement ofthe crank member 188 results in forcing the member 482 to swing in acounterclockwise direction, thus forcibly shifting the fertilizercontrol member 481 from its dotted line position, Figure 15, back to itsfull line position, thus reengaging the fertilizer clutch. The advantageof disengaging the fertilizer clutch at the very first part of theraising movement of the lifting mechanism that a supply of fertilizer iscut off'as early as possible after the planting has stopped. Thisprevents filling the fertilizer tubes with fertilizer which uponresumption of planting would then be deposited in an excessive amount.

Reference was made above to the possibility of manually controlling themember 481. This can be done at any time that the need for such controlmay arise. For example, by lifting the rod 488 so as to carry the pivot481 (Figure 18) up out of the radial slot extension 488 and into thearcuate slot 481, the handle 418 may be grasped and the clutch manuallydisengaged by swinging the member 481 from its full line position to itsdotted line position (Figure 18). Further, the fertilizer control may beentirely disabled, if desired, by lifting the rear end of the rod 488into the arcuate slot 481 and then moving the memher 481 a distancesuillcient to carry the end 414 (Figure 18) into the second notch 412.This position is shown in full lines in Figure 17, and in this positionthe subsequent actuation of the power lift mechanism, which causeslongitudinai shifting movement of the rod 488, will not engage ordisengage the clutch since the member 481 is thus moved into a positionin which the end 481 merely slides back and forth in the arcuate slot481 when the lifting mechanism is actuated, but due to the fact that themember 481 is in such a position that the mg 488, cannot reengage in theslot extension 488, the oscillations of the member 482 are not effectiveso far as swinging the member 481 is concerned. When it isdesired toreestablish the automatic control of the fertilizer means by the liftingmeans, all that it is necessary to do is to shift the member 481 fromits full line position (Figure 17) into its dotted line position,whereupon the lug 481 will reengage the slot extension 488, thusreestablishing an operative connection between the power lift controlledmember 482 and the fertilizer controlling member 481.

Check row planters are commonly provided with means for carrying a reelof check wire and with means for laying out the wire at the beginning ofthe planting operation and for reeling up the wire at the end. Thepresent invention contemplates certain new and useful improvements inthe reel mechanism, particularly adapted for use with the planterdescribed above. Rererring now to Figures 18, 22 and 23, a reel forcheck wire is indicated in its entirey by the reference numeral 888 andcomprises a pair of reel heads 881 and 882 connected together by a drumsection 888 (Figure 24). Each reel is mounted on a reel shaft 888(Figures 1 and 18), and the latter is supported on the planter frame bymeans of a pair oi yokes or standards 881 and 828. The standard 881 isbest shown in Figure 22 and is bolted, as at 818, to the frame angle 14.The upper end of the standard 881 is apertured to receive a pivot 811 bywhich a, yoke member 812 is mounted for rocking movement. The yokemember 812 is provided with an arcuate slot 818, and

a clamping bolt 814 extends through the slot as'rascs ard 525 which isbolted, as at "I, to the outer frame bar l5. As best shown in Figure 18,the upper end of the bracket 525 is disposed laterally inwardly of theframe bar l5, and the upper end of the standard 525 is braced by a rod525 which is bolted at its upper end, as at 550, to the standard 525 andat its lower end, as at 531, to the rocker shaft bearing member 1|. Alevel wind device 533 is carried on arms 554 and 535. The rear end ofthe arm 564 is secured to the standard 501 by the bolt which servestoclamp the yoke M2 in adjusted position. The rear'end of the other arm555 is connected to the bolt 530 that secures the upper end of the bracerod 526 to the standard 525. A spring 561 is riveted, as at 566, to therear end of the arm 565 and is apertured, as at 565, to receive theouter end 522 of the shaft 505. A shoulder 5 (Figure 18) is formed onthe reel shaft 506 Just inside the outer standard 525, hich prevents theshaft 506 from becoming displaced axially outwardly. The end 522 of theshaft 505, like the end MI, is disposed in an open end U-shaped slot soas to facilitate placing the reel and shaft in position on the standards501 and 525 and lifting the reel therefrom. However. the spring 531releasably engages the end 522 of the shaft 506 so as to preventinadvertent displacement of the reel shaft. When it is desired to removethe reel, the spring 531 is first sprung outwardly so as to disengage itfrom the end 522. The spring 531. when engaged with the reel shaft 506,also serves as a brace for holding the level wind device 533 in properposition.

At the inner end the reel shaft 505 carries a sprocket 543 over which achain 544 i trained. he chain 544 is also trained around a sprocket 545that is fixed to the left end of the left countershaft section I34. Thebearing support for the outer end of the countershaft is best shown inFigure. 22 and comprises a bracket 541 and a bearing casting 548 boltedto the standard 501 and the bracket 541, as at 549 and 555. The bolt555, as best shown in Figure 22, extends outward- Iy for a substantialdistance, as will be referred to below.

The reel proper is mounted for rotation relative to the reel shaft 506by friction means best shown in Figures 24 and 25. There is a frictionunit at each end of the reel, and since the units are substantiallyidentical, a descriptionof one will suffice. Referring now to Figures 24and 25, which shows the laterally outer friction unit, the reel head 502is formed with a bearing member 560 which is riveted thereto. Thebearing member 560 receives a bearing bushing 56l which has a squarehole fitting the reel shaft 506, whereby the bushin 56l rotates with thereel shaft while the bearing member 550 rotates with the reel head. Theouter face or end of the bushing 56l is flat, and receives a frictionmemher 562 having diametrically opposite trunnions 563 (Figure 24). Ayoke casting 566 is provided with arms 561 formed to engage thetrunnions 563 and is apertured at its central portion to receive thehead of a clamping bolt 566. The bolt extends outwardly of the reel,through an opening in the bearing member 560 and receives a spring 569and an adjusting nut 51!. The end of the yoke 566 oppositethe arms 561is formed,

as at 512, to engage in an opening 513 in the reel head to serve as afulcrum point whereby the spring 569 acts against the yoke 566 as alever urging the friction member 562, which is held against rotation bythe yoke 555, in engagement ning of the planting operation, the free endof the check wire is connected to an anchor stake and the machine thendriven forwardly. During this operation it is desired to restrain therotation of the reel as the machine travels, and to this end theconstruction described above has particular utility. Before starting tolay out the wire, the handle nut M5 is loosened and the yoke 5l2 swunginto its dotted line position, the

latter having a handle 515 to facilitate this operation. This lowers theend 5" of the reel shaft 506 and thus slackens the chain 544 enough topermit its removal from the driving sprocket 545. The chain 544 is thenanchored to the ex- I tended end of the bolt 555, and next the yokemember M2 is rocked in a counterclockwise direction (Figure 22) to raisethe end 5r2i of the reel shaft 506 to a slight extent, sufficient totighten the chain 544, which is then in the position shown in dottedlines in Figure 22. With the yoke member H2 in this position, the handlenut 5l5 is-tightened to fasten the parts firmly together. Since thesprocket 543 is non-rotat- 1 ably engaged with the reel shaft 506, andsince the chain 544 is anchored to a fixed part on the planter frame,the chain and sprocket serve as means preventing the rotation of thereel shaft. Therefore, when laying out the wire, the reel rotates underthe control of the friction units, including the members 56l, 562, ateach end of the reel.

After the wire has been laid out and the planting completed, it is thennecessary to reel up the wire. In order to do this, the handle nut 515is loosened, and the yoke 5| 2 rocked to permit the removal of the chain544 from the bolt 555. Then the chain can be placed over the drivingsprocket 545 and the yoke member 5i2 rocked to tighten the chain 544 inits new position, followed by the tightening of the handle nut M5 tohold the parts in position. The forward travel of the machine thencauses the reel shaft to rotate, which rotates the reel itself throughthe friction units described above. After the wire has been reeled up,the yoke 5 i2 is again loosened to remove the chain 544, thusdisconnecting the reel shaft drive, after which the reel may be entirelyremoved, or it may be left in position, if desired, by anchoring thechain 544 to the bolt 555, as described above and as shown in dottedlines in Figure 22.

What I claim and desire to secure by Letters Patent is:

1. In a planter having planting means adapted to be raised and loweredand a pair of marker arms also adapted to be raised and lowered, arotatable power driven member carried by the planter, a lever swingablymounted on said planter from one-position to the other, a Whitworthquick return motion connecting said rotable member with said leverwhereby movement of the latter from one position to the other takesplace at a relatively slow rate while movement from said other positionto said one position is accelerated, connecting means between said leverand said planting means and marker arms wheresaid marker arms inelevated position independent of the position of said lever. and meanscon-

